Small Business Regulatory Review and Reform Initiative
Regulatory Review and Reform (r3) Top 10 Rules, 2008
| Simplify the Rules for Recycling Solid Waste |
| Agency |
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
| Submitter |
iSi Environmental Services,
Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association, National Paint and
Coatings Association |
| Description |
Current hazardous waste
management regulations, 40 CFR Parts 260 and 265, govern facilities that
store, treat, or dispose of hazardous wastes. Currently many useful
materials that could otherwise be reused are required to be handled,
transported, and disposed of as hazardous wastes. |
| Small entities affected |
Hundreds of thousands of
businesses, primarily in manufacturing, are subject to the hazardous
waste standards. Many of these facilities are engaged in recycling
hazardous wastes, including solvents recovery. |
| Regulatory burden |
The hazardous waste
standards are far more stringent, complex, and costly than those
required for materials being recovered for reuse. |
| Proposed burden reduction |
EPA is now considering less
stringent standards for materials being recycled, including solvents
that are recovered onsite. EPA should adopt a definition of solid waste
that would eliminate certain forms of recycled materials from being
considered “hazardous wastes,” allowing them to be recycled more easily. |
| Small entity benefits |
The approach will affect more than 20,000 facilities and will reduce
costs, while still protecting the environment and encouraging recycling
rather than the use of virgin materials. |
| Advocacy contact |
Kevin Bromberg, advocacy@sba.gov |
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Top 10 Rules, 2008
